Congratulations! Freshman year has probably sucker punched you and yet you’re still here ready to move onto to Sophomore year. As an incoming junior, I can give you some great advice on how to soar through sophomore year. Although many people say 10th grade is “kinda just there” and “isn’t important”, its far from that.

Here are six things to keep in mind for this year:

1.) Challenge yourself and prepare to be challenged:

Freshman year is over, and this is where things start to get tougher. Your work load is going to increase a whole ton, but don’t worry as long as you prioritize properly (perhaps make a schedule, get a planner, etc) you’ll make it through the year. Despite the fact that you might want to take the easy route on things, challenge yourself! Once you accomplish something that seems tougher it helps you grow and builds your self esteem as a student and a person.

2.) Take Driver’s Ed:

If you already haven’t, I cannot stress how many sophomores (including myself) regret taking Driver’s Ed later than they could have. Once you take the course, you’ll be nine months away from getting a license and possibly a car.

3.) Think about your future:

Trust me on this one, the year flies by so fast. People probably say it all the time, but they say it for a reason! Junior year is only a year away which means ACT prep, and thinking about how you want to progress with your future. Sophomore year is definitely the year to try AP courses to get a feel of the commitment the classes will require if you plan on taking more in years to come.

4.) Things will be different from last year:

Don’t worry if you’re not hanging out with the same kids from last year, or if you want to try different sports/clubs, its just you growing as a person. It doesn’t just happen from the transition from freshman year to sophomore year, it happens all throughout high school and it’s okay! High school is all about finding yourself, and feeling comfortable with where you are.

5.) Learn from your mistakes:

If during freshman year you realized you spent a little too much time with friends and not enough time focused on academics and it affected your grades, remember that! This year try to find a good balance with your social life and studies. Whatever it is that you struggled with in the past, learn from it, it’ll help you succeed in this year and years to come.

6.) HAVE FUN!

Not many people tell you this, but it’s okay to have fun! In fact its healthy to set time aside to do things that make you happy! As long as you keep a good balance you will have fun, besides nobody ever has fun realizing they have to make up tons of work.

As long as you don’t loose sight of what’s important sophomore year, and the next 2 years will be incredible!